Commando Cowboys Entice Their Beauty [Wyoming Warriors 6] Read online

  “Hmmm, if I could shape-shift I’d be a lion,” Linda said.

  “Why the lion?” Jewel asked.

  A hateful smile came over her face. “Because I’d be queen of the jungle.” In a flash, a huge lion charged at Jewel. Jewel blinked, and her cheetah rushed forward. The others moved out of the way as the two rolled across the floor.

  All the men had drawn their guns, but they didn’t shoot for fear of hitting her cheetah. The lion was strong and had quickly taken several deep bites and swung her paw at Jewel when she tried to get away.

  Raoul shifted into his wolf and jumped at the lion. He ground his teeth into the lion’s leg. She turned to attack him, and Garth pulled Jewel to safety. Then he shifted into his leopard and charged. The three battled fiercely.

  Raoul glanced around and saw Averil had managed to get into position behind him. He yanked away from the lion’s grip. In a roar, Linda reared on her hind legs to shake Garth off. Averil pulled her pistol out and shot directly at the lion’s heart. The huge animal fell onto the floor. There was stunned silence as everyone waited to be sure she was dead.

  Garth shifted. He was breathing heavily. “You knew there was a possibility she could be killed instantly that way,” Garth managed to say.

  “Yes. That’s why I didn’t let her see I had a gun. She wouldn’t have risen up if one of you had been in my spot.”

  “I’m glad you had a silencer on that gun or we’d be doing some fast explaining to the sheriff.” Garth smiled and shook her hand.

  “But why go after Jewel?” Cassie asked.

  “To throw us off and because she suspected I was a shifter,” Jewel said from the floor where she’d collapsed and shifted to her human persona.

  Raoul knelt beside her. “Are you hurt bad, honey?”

  “No, I have a few bites and scratches, but I’ll get checked at the ranch and be fine.” She hoped, but she didn’t feel too good. “Are you and Garth all right?”

  “We’re tough. We both have a few small, shallow bites and scratches, but with two of us attacking her at once she was constantly having to switch back and forth between us.”

  “We’d better hurry back to the ranch,” Garth said. “I’m fairly certain Linda would have set up a signal to call her men at a specific time. They’ve got to be wondering why she hasn’t contacted them. Be ready for anything. I doubt we’ll get home without another fight.”

  Jewel started to stand. Raoul helped her up. “Damn, you’re seriously wounded,” Raoul said, seeing the amount of blood she had lost in a puddle on the floor. “You need to be at the hospital now.”

  “They can’t help me at the town hospital. I’ll be all right until we get to the ranch.” She hoped. The bites she’d gotten had been deep. She’d lost too much blood, and she could die from an excessive loss. Although it would take time.

  She wanted to live, to be married to Raoul and Aleron. But her life force was seeping out of her. She needed blood soon.

  Garth punched in a number. “Daren, we need the helo fast. Jewel’s hurt bad and needs transfusions. Good. We’ll drive out of town. When we see you, we’ll pull to the side.”

  Cassie locked the shop. “I’ll come back later and clean up. I’ve called Cindy and told her to go on home.” Cassie and Rae got into the other car. Raoul helped Jewel into the backseat of the car with Nick and Garth.

  “Let’s go,” Garth said. “You heard my side of the conversation.” He spoke to Nick, who’d gotten behind the wheel. “Drive fast.”

  Not far out of town they spotted the helicopter. Daren landed in an open field. Raoul carried Jewel to the helo. Jack jumped down and took her from him.

  “Keep her safe for me. Aleron knows to meet you at the hospital. I sent him a message. Be sure the net’s left down long enough for him to get through.” Raoul bent forward and kissed her lips. “Don’t you dare die on me. I have to stay with the others in case we’re attacked before we get to the ranch.”

  “I’ve already contacted Mitch,” Jack said. “Knowing how we all are about our women, I knew Aleron would fly back. Luckily I was with Daren when you called for help. I’ll get right to work on Jewel.” Daren helped Jack place Jewel on a stretcher in the helo, and they took off.

  “Jewel, do you know your blood type?” Jack asked. “I brought one of each type with me.”

  She told him and then watched as he inserted a needle in her arm and started the transfusion. Her heart beat very slow to conserve what blood she had left. It was a defense mechanism of her body. But she was weak. When she closed her eyes, her cheetah stood in the distance, a faint outline. If she disappeared completely, shortly afterward, Jewel would die.

  Two ways my big cat can be killed, a shot direct to the heart as Linda received, or a massive blood loss. How ironic if I die, too.

  Chapter Eleven

  Aleron had slipped out by the ranch fence when they lowered the invisible net to let Cassie’s and the men’s cars leave for town. He immediately shifted and flew into the sky. The air rushing past his wings was always an incredible high, especially when it had been longer than usual since his last shift. He rose high and did twirls and swoops to get his body ready for whatever occurred.

  He’d fly an imaginary grid, back and forth across a five-mile square, and he’d maintain the highest height where he could still see well enough to search the ground. He observed wide-open pastures, lakes, but nothing suspicious until the next-to-the-last line on his grid.

  Flying back and forth several times, he was able to discern an old building, and surrounding it were tents in a circle. There wasn’t any evidence of a road going to the encampment. But, he saw two small figures on the front porch of the dilapidated building. He started to go lower to check it out more thoroughly when he got the telepathic message from Raoul. Aleron quickly flew toward the ranch. He sent a message to Raoul and Garth’s mother, hoping she’d get it. Running into the net wouldn’t be fun.

  “It’s taken care of,” Raoul messaged back to him.

  Certain now he wouldn’t be stopped, Aleron shot through the air. When he saw the ranch fences below him, he started searching for the hospital and spotted the helicopter sitting on the pad by the medical center.

  He flew to the barn, so he’d be clothed when he shifted, and drove his truck straight to the hospital. Then he entered and strode across the lobby to ask the lady at the desk where he could find Jewel Camilius. She directed him to the ICU floor. Jack was at the nurse’s station when Aleron got off the elevator.

  “How is she?” Aleron asked.

  “Weak, but we’re getting blood into her. She’s going to surgery in a few minutes. The damage from the bites has to be repaired to stop the bleeding completely.”

  “But isn’t that a risk with her being so weak?” The strained look Jack gave him made Aleron’s heart ache. “She’s going to die?”

  “I don’t know, but without us going in and stopping the bleeding she will,” Jack said. “We’re giving her two pints of our blood first to help. The blood’s going in at a pretty fast rate. We have to get her to surgery.”

  “Is she awake?”

  “Barely. She’ll respond to you.”

  Aleron nodded and, taking long strides, headed to the door Jack pointed out. He knocked lightly and then peeked around the doorframe. She lay on white sheets with a white bedspread. Her face was as white as them. He tiptoed into the room, sat at her bedside, and took hold of her hand.

  A small smile curved her lips, and she whispered, “Aleron.”

  “How did you know it was me, darlin’?”

  “By your scent.” She opened her eyes, and the lilac color was very faint.

  “Can you see and feel your cheetah?” Aleron asked and held his breath waiting for her answer.

  “She’s there but very faint. I can’t feel her.” She smiled at him. “You know what that means?”

  He swallowed around the lump in his throat. “Yes.” His voice came out low and husky.

  “I love you both
. If the surgery isn’t successful, you’ll tell Raoul.”

  “Think positive, my love, but yes I’ll tell Raoul. He knows. And when you’re fully recovered, if you agree, we’ll have a wedding and take you off to your beloved Oregon where you and Raoul can run in the forest and I’ll fly overhead. Maybe in your kitten form we can fasten you on my back. Then, I’ll take you into the sky with me.”

  “I’ll keep those pictures in my mind. If anything can help keep me here, you all will. I’ll sense you both trying to pull me back from the edge.” He leaned closer and could barely hear her whisper, “I have a lot to live for.”

  “I hate to break this up,” Jack said. “They’re ready for Jewel in surgery.”

  “This surgeon knows she’s a shifter?” Aleron asked.

  “Don’t worry.” Jack smiled. “He’s your surgeon with ours assisting.”

  Aleron kissed her cheek. “See, it’s all in your favor. Fight to live, darlin’.”

  “I will.” She let go of his hand. He kissed her, and they wheeled her out of the room.

  When the elevator closed on Jewel and Jack, Aleron called Mitch and told him what he’d seen. “I’m almost certain that’s their hideaway. I didn’t see anything else in all the area I covered. But I didn’t get a chance to go down closer before I got the message regarding Jewel. She’s gone to surgery. No, I agree I can’t do any good pacing the floor here. This is the time to hit, while they’re wondering what’s happened to their leader. I’ll meet you at the ranch house.”

  Aleron shut his cell phone. Jack had his number, but he didn’t need a phone call. He’d know in his heart if things went wrong, and he’d go crazy sitting here or pacing waiting to find out if she was going to be all right. He walked back to his truck and drove to the ranch house. On the way he called Jewel’s father and explained what happened.

  “We’ll go to the hospital and wait for her to come out of surgery.” Aleron could hear the strain in her dad’s voice.

  “Good. Call me if you need me. I have to meet with Mitch now.” He flipped his cell shut. Aleron turned onto the main road and parked in front of the ranch house. He glanced around the area. Everything appeared normal except for the many tents set up for the third tribe. He strode up the walk and across the porch. A quick knock and he stepped inside.

  “Hi.” Aleron strolled into the foyer, where Mitch and Phillip were talking.

  “Do you mind bringing coffee to my office for Aleron and me?” Mitch asked Phillip.

  “No, sir. I’ll be right there with it.” He headed toward the kitchen.

  “I have a map of the ranch and the surrounding area,” Mitch said. “You can show me exactly where you think they’re located.” He led Aleron down the hall toward his private office.

  “Aren’t you afraid of anyone overhearing us?” Aleron asked.

  “No. We’re going to finish them off, and no one in the house today is an enemy. Show me.” Mitch spread a large map out on his desk.

  Aleron pointed to the spot. Phillip knocked and entered with their coffee.

  “Stay, Phillip. You know the land around our ranch as well as I do,” Mitch said. “Aleron believes he found the place where our enemy is hiding.” He pointed to the general locale Aleron had shown him.

  Phillip studied the map. “If it is, they chose a desolate spot. There are miles of emptiness around them. No roads run near that land, either.” He gave Aleron a puzzled look. “How in the world did you find this place?”

  “Shall I tell him?” Aleron asked Mitch.

  “Yes, I trust him, and hopefully the battles are almost over.”

  “I’m a shifter. I shift into a golden eagle.” Aleron blinked and shifted for Phillip to see.

  Phillip gaped at the large bird. “I’m stunned at your astounding ability.”

  “Only a few of us know. We’ll tell the rest of our people when this is all over,” Mitch explained.

  “What about the warriors?” Aleron asked. “Did they complete their mission?”

  “Yes, they’re on the way here, and then we’ll regroup and plan the attack to end this battle for good.” Mitch pointed his finger at the place they wanted to destroy. “Phillip, when the others arrive direct everyone downstairs. You stay up here and notify us of any problems.”

  When they were on the elevator, Aleron asked, “Who led the raid on the house?”

  “Daren. We thought it best I stay here and coordinate all the activities. I just got a call from Raoul before you arrived. They should be here at the ranch by now. Surprisingly, they didn’t have any trouble on the way back.” They stepped out of the elevator and walked to the conference room. “They’ve got Linda’s body in the truck and will drop it and Raoul at the hospital.”

  “I need to fly to get rid of some of my anxiety. She’s not out of danger yet, I’d feel it.”

  “You can fly soon and lead us to the enemies’ camp.”

  Mother Aileen knocked on the door. Mitch welcomed her into the room. “You look worried,” he said.

  “Nanna and I were sewing when I suddenly became weak and a darkness wrapped around me and this house.”

  “Do you need to see a doctor?” Aleron asked.

  “No. It left me drained, but it is nothing wrong with me. It is evil, black, dark-as-night evil.”

  “Here at the ranch house?” Mitch inquired.

  She shivered. “Very close to us.”

  “You’ve never felt this before?” Mitch asked.

  “Not really. Once or twice we were aware of a quick brush of darkness. It was so brief that we discounted it. But this was as though someone let their evilness out in full force. Is there someone new in the house or someone you’ve suspected who might be here?”

  “No. I’ll search down here. Aleron, go upstairs, and you and Phillip check inside and outside the house.”

  Aleron nodded. He hurried down the hall. They might be close to beating the enemy, but their opponent wasn’t going down easily. He sent Raoul a telepathic message.

  “Stay at the hospital with Jewel. This isn’t over yet.”

  “I just arrived. She’s still in surgery. Her parents are here waiting for any news and I’m not going anywhere,” Raoul answered.

  Phillip was nowhere to be seen when Aleron got out of the elevator. In the kitchen, Tessa and her new helper were busy cooking. Aleron strode down the hall toward Mitch’s office. Phillip came out the door, their empty cups in his hands.

  “We need to search the premises inside and out,” Aleron said. “Mitch’s orders.”

  “I’ll be right back. Let me take these cups to the kitchen.”

  “I’m going to start in the back part of the house,” Aleron said.

  Phillip nodded and hurried by him. But Aleron hesitated. He opened the door to Mitch’s study. Everything looked in place. The map was rolled up and sat in the corner. He started out then looked again. His perception was telling him something was different. He walked completely inside and slowly surveyed the room.

  A faint scent hung in the air. He’d smelled it when the birds attacked him that day. He studied the map again. Mitch had rolled it loosely and laid it against that corner, and the faint letters on the edge of the outside were at the bottom.

  Aleron walked closer and knelt to be sure. Yes, there were only letters at one end. They were at the top now. Who else had been in here beside him, Mitch, and Phillip?

  He hurried out and down the back hall. Phillip came out of the study.

  “This room is clear. Where were you?”

  “Checking the rooms along the hall where Mitch’s office is located. They’re clear.” Aleron caught a whiff of the scent he’d noticed in Mitch’s office. His skin tingled. Phillip was staring at him and his hands were opening and closing. All his senses went on alert warning him to be wary. But Phillip was a trusted friend of Mitch’s and Daren’s. He’d have to gather rock-solid evidence before they would believe their trusted friend might not be so trustworthy.

  “The rest of the a
reas behind me are private quarters for the family.” Phillip stood where he partially blocked the way to the back hall.

  “There’s no privacy today,” Aleron said as he went around Phillip and opened the first door.

  They quickly checked the leader’s rooms and returned to the main room by the front door. Aleron glanced toward the kitchen. “There is someone new up here, Tessa’s assistant.”

  “I can vouch for her, and so can a number of people. She’s been on the ranch since she was born,” Phillip said.

  “Then I guess whoever or whatever shook up Mother Aileen must have left the premises. Mitch would have called us if he’d found anyone. I’m going back downstairs.”

  “I’ll stay up here and keep a lookout for anything unusual,” Phillip said.

  Aleron had smelled the strange odor again when Phillip stood near him. He planned to keep a close eye on the man, and as soon as he had enough evidence to convince Mitch and Daren, he’d share his suspicions. In the meantime he’d send Garth a telepathic message. His people would believe him and be on the alert.

  When the elevator stopped he closed his eyes and quickly contacted Garth. “I don’t know if you’ve heard but your mother had a strong feeling of evil in the house. Phillip and I searched the upstairs and I think he may be our man. Phillip has an odor similar to the black birds I fought, and he definitely appeared nervous several times. Mitch and Daren won’t believe me until I find some definitive evidence. But we need to be prepared for our plans to already be in the hands of the ones off the ranch.”

  * * * *

  Garth met Aleron outside the conference room. “Luckily I was with Mother and not in the conference room, so I got your message.”

  Mitch came to the door. “We’re ready to start. We need you two in here now. Mitch began to discuss their attack plans as soon as they were seated.

  “But what the hell can we do without talking with Mitch and Daren?” Garth asked Aleron telepathically. The plan Mitch was outlining was built on the enemy being surprised. If Aleron was right, they’d be armed and ready for them.